Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Tofu with Sesame and Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold Korean-inspired tofu stir-fry featuring spicy gochujang sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh scallions for a vibrant plant-based meal. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp water. Cook the sauce for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Tofu with Sesame and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Tofu with Sesame and Scallions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Tofu with Sesame and Scallions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Tofu with Sesame and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Tofu with Sesame and Scallions?

Korean vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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